Pantry Pests

What Insects Are Classified As Pantry Pests?

“Stored Product” pest species fall under the pantry pest classification. The diet is comprised of processed and dried food found in pantries across Livonia, Michigan
Diet may include dry pasta, powdered milk, crackers, cookies, nuts, dried fruit, cornstarch, dry dog and cat food, bread, and birdseed
Indian meal moth and saw-toothed grain and cigarette beetle sightings are commonly reported in Livonia in kitchens, dining rooms, and pantries
A successful pantry pest invasion almost always ends in a full-blown infestation because of their continuous breeding behaviors
Homes are not targeted because of uncleanliness

Pantry Pest Characteristics For Identification Purposes

Indian Meal Moth Species

The Plodia interpunctella (Indian meal moth) is a mixture of dark brown, tan, red, and copper.
Indian meal moth larvae leave devastation in their path, damaging vulnerable packages and contaminating their content
Indian meal moth infestations require a complex pest control strategy with pesticides and traps. These pantry pest species build cocoons to shelter their eggs
Indian meal moths avoid capture by crawling on upper walls and ceilings.

Saw-Toothed Grain Beetle Species

Oryzaephilus surinamensis (saw-toothed grain beetle) species have unique identifying characteristics – 1/10” long body with thorax projects that resemble teeth on a saw.
Saw-toothed grain beetle species (larvae and adults) feed on processed food stored in vulnerable packages
The species is notorious for contaminating food stored in plastic and thin cardboard packaging

Cigarette Beetle Species

Lasioderma serricorne (cigarette beetle) measures around one-eighth of an inch in length. The insect’s most unique feature – a humpback – is utilized by exterminators for identification purposes. These winged pantry pests are covered with fuzzy fine hairs
The diet is comprised of nuts, dried cereal, and dog food, candy, cookies, crackers, and spices like paprika and chili powder

Why Did Pantry Pests Invade My Home?

Pantry pests target homes with vulnerable pest barriers. What makes a residential pest barrier vulnerable? Non-secure access points are the biggest contributors to pantry pest infestations.
An adult pregnant female is enough to start a pantry pest infestation indoors
Pantry pest species are known for their continuous breeding habits, resulting in a very difficult pest control strategy

What Are The Most Common Signs Of A Pantry Pest Infestation?

Damaged processed food packages in cabinets, pantries, and cubbyholes
Swarming insects near exposed food sources are one of the most commonly reported signs in residential settings. Pantry pests are drawn to bright lighting in dark areas

Do Pantry Pest Infestations Pose Health Risks To Young Children?

Saw-toothed grain beetles and cigarette beetles, as well as Indian meal moths are not disease-carrying pests
Pantry pests have been linked to foodborne illnesses related to contaminated food sources
There is no reason to be concerned about ingesting processed food contaminated with Indian meal moth, cigarette beetle, and saw-toothed grain beetle pantry pest larvae and eggs. These pantry pests do not carry diseases that spread to children or adults

What Steps Should Be Taken To Prevent A Pantry Pest Infestation?

Create a realistic, doable, and effective processed food storage system utilizing glass and plastic sealed containers
Create a realistic, doable, and effective kitchen cleaning schedule
Toss unused food in the trash bin, wash containers thoroughly, allow to air dry, and then refill
Test suspicious food by storing it in a sealed plastic bag for at least four weeks. If the food is contaminated, it will be obvious since the larvae will be alive and moving
Wash containers with dish soap and rinse thoroughly with fresh tap water before and after each refill

How To Eradicate A Pantry Pest Infestation Without Harming The Environment?

Pantry pest extermination is a complex process utilizing multiple pest control products combined into at least two separate treatments, with three to four weeks between each treatment. In addition to the extermination, we request that all household members take part in developing new cleaning and processed food storage systems.

It is crucial to note, DIY pest control may not be suitable for pantry pest infestations. This applies specifically to moderate to severe cases.

Routinely inspect stored processed food containers thoroughly once a month
Carefully discard contaminated and outdated processed food in a sealed plastic bag and transport immediately to an outdoor trash bin
Thoroughly wipe all cabinets, countertops, pantries, and shelves where food containers are stored once a month

While you may be interested in DIY pest control, it may not be suitable for your particular case. We recommend a visual inspection performed by our exterminators to determine the severity of the pantry pest infestation. This will jumpstart the pest control effort, resulting in a speedier eradication. DIY pest control products may be more affordable than hiring a licensed exterminator, but when you consider the variances between the two options, there is no comparison. Professional-grade pesticides are significantly more powerful than standard-grade over-the-counter pesticides.

When Will The Exterminator Be Dispatched To My Home For The Pest Control Inspection?

Once your pest control service request is submitted, we will begin processing it to ensure the speediest response. We will dispatch an exterminator out to your home within 24 to 48 hours of the initial request.

Do Pantry Pest Pesticides Pose A Risk To Humans And The Environment?

Yes and no, it really depends on the administration, storage, transportation, and handling processes. Another important factor is the pesticide brand, whether or not it has undergone the necessary steps to receive approval from the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The EPA oversees the production and sale of all pesticides in the United States. We believe EPA-approved is the best way to protect our clients and their families from exposure to harmful chemicals found in pesticides. We take pesticide safety to the next level by heeding the manufacturer’s recommendations found on the packaging label.

What Is Needed To Prevent Future Pantry Pest Infestations?

There is only one way to prevent future infestations after an initial pantry pest infiltration. With a pest control management solution on your side, pantry pests will no longer have access to your home. Pest management involves several processes that stop future pantry pest infiltration in homes and businesses. To learn more about our pantry pest management, we recommend contacting our Livonia extermination team. These professionals will gladly answer your questions and put your mind to ease. Our visual pantry pest inspections, consultations, and estimates are provided free of charge per appointment only. If you are still contemplating DIY pest control, you should reconsider because it is not always the best option for moderate to severe pest infestations.

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